As the chill of our third pandemic winter begins to thaw, there’s something about spring beauty that feels particularly fresh this year. Maybe it’s a hard-won appreciation of beauty in the smallest of places or a new ability to look for optimism in everything — yes, even your manicure.
This spring, nail trends are undeniably joyous, from refreshing minimalism to eye-catching disco-inspired hues so fun, we promise they’ll help you shake off the winter blues. Whether you’re a DIY newbie or a pro at advanced nail art, we’ve rounded up the best and brightest spring manicure looks for inspiration.
Minty fresh
Nothing says spring like a minty shade of green — the cool tone makes it the perfect transition shade from winter. This graphic look is super easy to pull off. With this versatile mani, you can go as basic or as detailed as your skill allows, using a fine-point nail brush to create undulating lines and waves.
Modern art
This modern art-inspired design requires a steady hand but delivers a big impact. The results, simple yet elevated, are an architectural take on the groovier lines above: graphic and fresh.
Vintage floral tips
These vintage-inspired floral French tips are definitely on the advanced end of the DIY manicure spectrum, but the patience needed to create this look definitely pays off. If you can pull it off with your non-dominant hand, congratulations, you can officially do quite literally anything.
Simple spring hues
Intricate florals way out of your league? Honestly, same. Capture the same floral-inspired vintage vibes with alternating yellow-green and petal pink nails in the easiest of alternatives.
Evil Eye
Ward off bad vibes this season with dainty Evil Eye-inspired nail art. The concentric circles that create this effect are deceptively simple to DIY: Create a blue dot using a regular nail brush, grab a finer bush to add a white dot, and finally, grab your finest brush to add a pinprick of black in the center.
Pastel pink hearts
When the season has you feeling extra romantic, show the love with this super-easy to-do heart manicure. On top of a neutral base coat, create heart tips on almond-shaped nails for this sweet effect.
Pink ombré
If nail art isn’t your thing, opt for a simple ombré look — more elevated than a standard manicure, but just as easy to do. These pink shades are perfect for getting you in the mood to bloom.
Disco spring
The combination of orange and robin’s egg blue feels so fresh right now. Use a fine point nail brush to create groovy waves, experimenting on natural nails or a white base for an extra layer of color.
Flower power
Into the 70s vibes? These psychedelic flowers are a fresh take on the more staid florals we’re used to seeing for spring. This design will work with just about any color combo, but the electric blue and highlighter yellow feel especially modern.
Neutral camo
Try a muted camouflage look if you like a neutral nail but want something a little fancier. The combination of mossy green, rust, and milky beige takes a page from Mother Nature just as she begins to thaw.
Red roses
The color combination of juicy red and bubblegum pink is an immediate day brightener. And with this nail look, everything is coming up roses. Go simple with a single red rose design or opt for a full bouquet as shown below.
Minimalist hearts
This may be some of the sweetest (and easiest to pull off) nail art we’ve ever seen. The combination of the delicate white hearts on a neutral base is the manicure equivalent of the first buds of spring pushing through the frost.
Tie-dye tips
Dying for some color? Go full tie-dye. Opt for neon hues to go bold like the look below or make things a bit subtler with pastel or monochromatic shades.
Neon tips
Neon can also be minimalist. These neon French tips feel undeniably fresh when paired with a soft neutral base that matches your skin tone.
Shimmer shapes
Who says glittery manicures are for New Year’s Eve only? The subtle swoosh of glitter here is the perfect spring manicure. Choose a flat polish and a glitter polish of the same shade to create the look.
Eggshell shades
Take some inspo from the Easter candy aisle this spring with this springy-take on Skittle nails. Add a shimmer nail into the mix like this look if you’re feeling a little extra.
Springy smiles
Not quite feeling the seasonal optimism yet? This manicure may just turn things around. Sky blue smiley faces of varying sizes make this look balanced and bubbly.
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